The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has devised a festive programme for the Christmas and Three Kings celebrations, featuring over 200 events that will take place across the municipality until January 6. Various municipal departments, along with the five districts of the capital, are involved in the organisation of these activities.
The extensive array of musical, cultural, and leisure events is set to commence next Thursday, the 21st, with the launch of the spectacular Christmas lights at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaza de La Candelaria. In a significant change this year, this location will replace the Plaza del Príncipe as the venue for the traditional Christmas concerts, due to safety and capacity considerations. The day will conclude with the customary tour by local authorities through the streets of Santa Cruz to appreciate the festive lighting and share this enchanting moment with residents.
The unveiling of the programme was led by the city’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside the Councillor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero; the Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife; the Councillor for Culture, Santiago Díaz; the CEO of the Development Society, Carmen Pérez; and representatives from other districts, Sports, and Finance.
Bermúdez expressed his gratitude for the contributions made by various sectors, stating, “In this city, numerous activities are organised by other institutions and by residents themselves, whether through cultural associations or local businesses.” He further remarked that “we will kick off the festivities this Thursday with the Christmas lighting event, but it is a collective effort that shapes the Christmas spirit, present not only in public areas but also in private spaces.”
The Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, highlighted the success of installing over two million light bulbs “across the districts much earlier than in previous years. This was possible because we entered into a single contract, addressing the needs of residents, particularly in essential commercial areas throughout the boroughs.”
Carmen Pérez, the head of the Development Society, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of municipal departments, saying, “We are firmly committed to supporting local businesses during this crucial time for all traders, and I am confident this campaign will be a great success.”
José Manuel Bermúdez, the city’s mayor, will officially activate the Christmas lighting. The evening will commence with a live musical introduction by Tenerife artist Ricardo Alonso, a current contestant on La Voz de Antena 3. Following this, a dazzling light show will precede the lighting of the Christmas decorations, with a heartfelt performance by singer Ruth Lorenzo to celebrate Christmas in Santa Cruz. The event will be hosted by journalist Mariam Moragas.
The musical finale will feature a family-friendly show with Christmas carols, presented in a contemporary style. This segment will include a performance by Gara Alemán, a Canarian singer, who is also a current contestant on La Voz. She will share the stage with Ricardo Alonso, enchanting all attendees with their talents.
The programme is packed with varied events, including traditional concerts by Los Fregolinos, the Military Band, folkloric groups, and the award ceremony for the Nativity Scene competition at the Plaza de La Candelaria; the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Artisans Market in the Plaza de España; Christmas Illusions, showcasing projected images on the façade of the Cabildo de Tenerife; the Christmas Fest youth gathering at TEA plaza; as well as concerts by the Municipal Music Band in the Plaza del Príncipe.
Once again, the Christmas Market opens in the Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, offering artisan and festive products from December 13 to January 6, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. From December 14 to January 6, gastronomy and music will blend at the Gastro Navidad Market Fest, which will feature an extensive programme of concerts alongside its usual specialised food stalls.
The awards ceremony for the Nativity Scene Contest will be followed on Sunday, December 22, by a gospel concert featuring the Municipal Music Band alongside the Powerhouse Gospel Choir. This will take place at Plaza de La Candelaria, starting at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, December 27, the musical group Son 21 will celebrate its twentieth anniversary with the concert titled “20 years together,” and the following day, Saturday the 28th, the group Los Cantadores will perform “Princes and Princesses.” Both concerts will occur in the Plaza de La Candelaria, free of charge, starting at 8:30 p.m.
The Children’s New Year’s Eve event will return on December 31 at Plaza de La Candelaria from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring numerous activities for families and including a traditional bell ringing for the children at 12:00 p.m. The New Year’s Eve dance will begin at 11:00 p.m. with entertainment and large orchestras.
Sport will play a significant role in the capital’s Christmas festivities, featuring events like the Anaga Solidario Trail, the historical “Ciudad de Santa Cruz” junior basketball tournament, the Christmas figure skating festival at Pancho Camurria, the What a Winter Games organised by Acinte, and the San Salitre Swimming Crossing on January 1.
The Development Society has planned several activities to enhance leisure and boost the economy during this vital period, including Black Week Santa Cruz with discounts and promotions in local businesses; the Ruta del Bocadillazo in the Southwest district; the Gastronomic Fair of Tapas and Wines in the Salud-La Salle district; the Christmas Showcase Route; parades and visits by children’s characters in commercial areas; and the World of Santa Claus event in Plaza de La Candelaria on December 23 and 24.
Family concerts, musical auditions, recitals, theatre performances, art exhibitions, storytelling, and children’s workshops will further enrich the cultural calendar of activities.
Folklore festivities and musical groups performing Christmas carols, alongside various activities for children, will animate the streets of all five districts during the forthcoming Christmas holidays. The programme for the 2024-2025 Christmas and Three Kings celebrations can be followed through the city council’s social media platforms as well as on the websites www.santacruzdetenerife.es and www.fiestasdesantacruz.com.
Christmas Lighting
This year’s lighting features the installation of over 2.2 million LED bulbs, 59,165 metres of garlands (in addition to the 16,500 metres set up last year along the Rambla de Santa Cruz), 1,638 decorative elements, 120 arches, and a total of 327 illuminated streets, with a cumulative power installation of 274 kW.
The Christmas installations commenced last July, involving an investment of 1,087,268.89 euros.
The Christmas illumination will encompass 327 streets across the five boroughs. Notably, this year will witness the first-time illumination of significant thoroughfares such as Tres de Mayo, Penetration, Benito Pérez Armas, and Madrid avenues, complementing the traditional decorations of the city’s most iconic streets. It will begin functioning on November 29 and continue until January 6.
The Christmas lighting spectacle in Santa Cruz has established itself not only as one of the major tourist attractions in the Canary Islands but also as a benchmark for innovation and sustainability through the use of LED technology, which reduces energy consumption and enhances efficiency.
